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NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) – Alex Rodriguez plans to sue Major League Baseball in federal court next month if his suspension related to the league’s latest performance-enhancing drugs scandal isn’t lifted, according to TMZ.com.

The website’s sources also said A-Rod tested negative 11 times in the past few years and hasn’t “knowingly” used a banned substance since 2003. Rodriguez admitted in 2009 to PED use from 2001-03 while playing for the Texas Rangers.

The New York Post reported this week that A-Rod added high-profile criminal defense attorney Joe Tacopina to his legal team.

“Joe is a fighter, and that is what Alex needs right now,” a source told the Post. “He has been brought on to reinforce the trial team, there’s a possibility this could go all the way to federal court. Joe is known for putting the hammer down, he’s going to take on the Yankees and take on MLB.”